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‘Green’ meeting organized at Dusit Resort
Management and staff of Dusit
Resort, Pattaya led by Chatchawal Supachayanont (standing front, 7th from
left) with Dr. Chirapol Sintunawa (standing front, 8th, left).
Dusit Resort, Pattaya headed by general manager
Chatchawal Supachayanont recently organized a meeting on energy conservation
and environmental management for its hotel staff. Dr. Chirapol Sintunawa,
environmentalist and vice-president of Green Leaf Foundation was invited as
guest speaker.
Dr. Chirapol discussed how the management and staff can further improve the
hotel’s environmental practices including efficient use of energy and water,
planting of trees suitable for hotels, and dissemination of the hotel’s
environmental programs to guests.
“We have always maintained a green culture in the hotel and it is always a
pleasure to have Dr. Chirapol as guest speaker to update us on Green Leaf
Foundation’s initiatives and activities,” Chatchawal said.
Dr. Chirapol also warned of the occurrence of the El Nino phenomenon as
forecasted by environmentalists in the latter part of 2006 and in 2007. El
Nino is a phenomenon pertaining to the unusual warming of waters in the
Pacific Ocean causing extreme climate patterns as drought or flooding.
Green Leaf has over 200 member hotels. Green Leaf hotels are awarded
certificates for their commitment to environmental conservation by
implementing strict in-house programs that foster environmentally-friendly
practices, such as the efficient use of energy and water, water management,
recycling, proper waste management, and policies that favour the purchase of
products and services from equally committed environmentally-friendly
companies.
Dusit Resort, Pattaya has been awarded three times the Green Leaf
certificate with Five Leaves, the highest level awarded to a hotel
signifying excellence in environmental management.
PCEC members learn about investment rules during first meeting in 2007
Ponthep Werachon of the Werachon
Law Office clarifies and answers questions regarding the recent financial
legislation introduced by the Bank of Thailand.
The Sunday January 7 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club
(PCEC) at Henry J. Bean’s was the first of the New Year.
The format of the meeting was similar to that of the previous week’s format,
with the emcee spot being shared by both Philip Schwarz and John Lynham. Philip
and John continued the theme set at last week’s meeting as an entertaining duo
as the PCEC looked forward to the New Year.
Of continuing interest to the club are any changes in visa regulations and
banking rules are far as expats are concerned
This week saw the welcome return to the club of Ponthep Werachon of the Werachon
Law Office who was the main speaker. Ponthep had been invited to clarify and
answer questions regarding the recent financial legislation introduced by the
Bank of Thailand.
Ponthep described how in order to curb speculation and the appreciation of the
Thai baht, the Bank of Thailand on the 18th December had instructed the
commercial banks to deduct the reserve amount of 30% from all persons making
foreign exchange transactions over $20,000. On the 20th December this was eased
to exempt investments on the stock market and some other business activities.
Further information regarding this subject can be found on the PCEC website as
shown later.
Club chairman, Andre Machielsen then announced that a delay had occurred
regarding the next 3 day Club trip to Chantaburi. This is now expected to take
place in mid February.
It was announced that the Volunteer Group Teaching English was now underway. The
group helps 31 young Thai students in grades 7 to 9 with English language. The
students are based at Pattaya City School #8. It was reported that the teaching
experience was most rewarding.
It was also announced that the Tae Kwon Do classes for the over 50s was still
seeking some recruits as a minimum of 25 people were required.
Drew Noyes presented a very impressive new series of maps of Pattaya which not
only clearly showed a great deal of relevant and useful information but also a
number of future road developments.
The regular Open Forum was then underway and this proved to be the usual lively
and entertaining session. For more information regarding not only PCEC Sunday
meetings but also the varied mid week activities, please see the Community
Happenings section of Pattaya Mail or, for more details, visit the club’s
website at pattayacityexpatsclub.com.
New keyboard
for Jomtien jammers
The Bristol Music Bar, hosts for the ever popular Jomtien
unplugged jam sessions held every Sunday at Soi 6 Jomtien, and which also
help to support The Camillian Society, are extremely pleased to announce the
addition of a Casio WK1200 60 key keyboard to their musical instruments
available for all the jammers to play.
 Live,
unplugged jam sessions take place every Sunday at the The Bristol Music Bar,
Jomtien.
This keyboard and stand was a gift to the bar from two of their sponsors:
Ron’s Internet Café (Soi 5) and Robin, one of its patrons.
Alistair and David of the bar stated: “This is brilliant news, it will
expand the variety of music being played at the bar for all to enjoy. We now
have available as well as the keyboard, an acoustic guitar and a base guitar
with bongo drums that all can enjoy”.
The Bar, in support of The Camillian Society, are always looking for more
sponsors to provide prizes and items for their quiz and auctions held during
the Jam evenings. Anybody wanting to become a sponsor should contact the bar
at Soi 6 Jomtien.
Of course, if you want to come and jam on a Sunday evening; get yourself
down to the bar, tell Alistair or David want you want to play and they will
fit you in.
United States Navy League -
Thailand Council recognizes Steve Blumenthal’s contribution to the world
On December 24, the United States Navy League - Thailand
Council presented a flower wreath and award certificate to Mermaids Dive
Center and posthumously to Steven Blumenthal for more than 15 years of
outstanding service to the United States Navy. Steve, who passed away
recently, provided years of excellent service to the visiting naval ships,
officers and crew as well as any visiting diver.
 The
United States Navy League - Thailand Council presented a flower wreath and
award certificate to Steven Blumenthal and Mermaids Dive Center for more
than 15 years of outstanding service to the United States Navy.
Steve not only gave inspiration to others, he also gave strength to people
all over, always emphasizing the importance of developing peace, harmony,
and fairness.
Steve will leave a void which no living mortal could fill. Steve I’m sure
would be encouraging to all to emulate quality and to continuously give
courage and kindness in whatever they do.
Steve was indeed a man for all seasons and a man for everyone.
He had dedicated his life to serve and help all people without regards of
creed or race. He gained respect from people of all walks of life and from
those professing different points of view. He was a man liked by everyone,
and his compassion was to all his friends, business associates, staff, and
family, and he will be missed.
Although Steve is not here with us, his past works and kindness for all will
continue to guide us.
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